In reference to Glenn Reynolds’ natural-enough surprise that we’re still using a damn good plane design, I shall now quote some Rudyard Kipling at him. Because that’s how I roll.
“Brown Bess,” by Rudyard Kipling
The Army Musket — 1700-1815IN the days of lace-ruffles, perukes and brocade
Brown Bess was a partner whom none could despise–
An out-spoken, flinty-lipped, brazen-faced jade,
With a habit of looking men straight in the eyes–
At Blenhein and Ramillies fops would confess
They were pierced to the heart by the charms of Brown Bess.Though her sight was not long and her weight was not small,
Yet her actions were winning, her language was clear;
And everyone bowed as she opened the ball
On the arm of some high-gaitered, grim grenadier.
Half Europe admitted the striking success
Of the dances and routs that were given by Brown Bess.
link, alas.
, and is (to the best to my knowledge) in the public domain.